Google never stops enhancing their Pixel smartphone collection and now after the launch of the Pixel 9 series, it seems that they finally found their place among the top smartphone makers. From major hardware improvements to super smart AI features, the Pixel 9 series could be the one that Google fans have been waiting for so long. In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between Pixel 9 and Pixel 8 in which we’ll be focusing on the advancements that make the Pixel 9 a true flagship contender.
Today, we’re getting real.
Rick Osterloh, the leader of Google’s newly joined hardware and Android teams
After years of playing catch-up, it seems Google has finally delivered on the promise of a true flagship Pixel phone. Early impressions of the Pixel 9 series suggest that Google has achieved the “modernized glow-up” that Pixel fans have been hoping for.
Improvement in Pixel 9 Design and Build Quality
Google is very much focused on the design and build quality of their smartphones. In Pixel 8, there were slight curved edges and now we can see a very clean Flat Matte material sides with polished glass back in Google Pixel 9 series. Upgraded design is more sleeker and have a very modern look along with more device durability which gives it a very premium feel while holding in hand.
Display and Frame
One of the most prominent changes are in design of the display and frame. Now Google Pixel 9 screen is 35% brighter than the Pixel 8 which makes it possible to enhance the visibility of the screen even in different light conditions. Besides, the edges of the Pixel 9 are rounder in comparison to the blocky design of the Pixel 8 which started with the Pixel 6 and 7 series. This change, along with a more emphasized camera bar, results in a durable and visually attractive design.
As for Pixel 9, Google stood out to say that it is two times more durable than Pixel 8. Such a claim is backed up by improved materials used in the new phone which includes latest Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and frame composed of a higher percentage of recycled aluminum. Improvements in Pixel 9 series made it more resistant to drops and scratches as well as demonstrated Google’s commitment towards sustainability.
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Redesigned Camera Setup in Pixel 9
Google Pixel series is always praised by Android users for their exceptional camera setup and their capabilities. Trend of camera strip, which was started from Google Pixel 6 is now been upgraded with an exceptional design having round shaped bump with dual-camera setup of wide main sensor having 50 MP and a 48 MP ultra-wide sensor which was previously 12 MP ultra-wide camera lens in Pixel 8.
With the same bump design like Pixel 9, Google engineers have upgraded camera module with 48 MP Telephoto lens of 5x Optical Zoom allowing users to capture high quality zoomed shots without losing details. Pixel 9 Pro is also equipped with same 50 MP camera sensor but with more enhanced AI processing using Google Tensor G4 to capture more vibrant images along with the support of 30x Super Res Zoom.
Powerful New Tensor Chip with AI Integration
Built on Google’s most advanced Tensor G4 chip the Pixel 9 series is a powerhouse of performance. Google claims that the new Tensor G4 chip is 20% more efficient as compared to the Pixel 8 when browsing the web and 17% better on app launch times. Even before full performance tests have been conducted, the first testers have described the Pixel 9 as “very fast and smooth to use.” Besides a speed advantage, this chip also boasts superior AI capabilities, a cornerstone of the Pixel experience.
One of the most anticipated hardware upgrades is the addition of an ultrasonic fingerprint reader under the screen. This replaces the more error-prone optical sensor inherited by earlier models, providing a faster and more accurate unlocking process.
Google’s tradition of making the benefits of AI gradually more appealing to users in their latest flagship devices which includes:
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Side by Side Pixel Flagships Comparison
| Feature | Pixel 8 | Pixel 9 | Pixel 9 Pro | Pixel 9 Pro XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Google Tensor G3 | Google Tensor G4 | Google Tensor G4 | Google Tensor G4 |
| Display | 6.2″ OLED, 90Hz | 6.3″ OLED, 120Hz, 35% brighter | 6.7″ OLED, 120Hz, LTPO | 6.9″ OLED, 120Hz, LTPO |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Optical under-display | Ultrasonic under-display | Ultrasonic under-display | Ultrasonic under-display |
| Main Camera | 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide | 50MP main ƒ/1.68, 50MP ultra-wide 123° field of view | 50MP main ƒ/1.68, 50MP ultra-wide 123° field of view, 48MP telephoto 5x optical zoom and 30x Super Res Zoom | 50MP main ƒ/1.68, 50MP ultra-wide 123° field of view, 48MP telephoto 5x optical zoom and 50x Super Res Zoom |
| Battery | 4,575mAh with 27W charging | 4,600mAh, 30W charging | 5,000mAh, 33W charging | 5,100mAh, 33W charging |
| Operating System | Android 14 (upgradable) | Android 15 | Android 15 | Android 15 |
| Design | Aluminum frame, glass back | Matte metal sides, glass back | Matte metal sides, glass back | Matte metal sides, glass back |
| Foldable | No | No | No | Yes, foldable 8″ display |
| Price | $699 | $799 | $999 | $1299 |
A Promising Future for Pixel Users
Google Pixel 9 series is a whole new approach to mobile technology that makes users’ lives better. This is a testament that Google is actually listening to the Pixel fans who are expressing it through AI features, amazing camera capabilities, and design improvements. In the future, users will be able to do anything from taking photos to working to simply enjoying the trouble-free smart technology without any hassle.
